CP Group and Thomas Foods to build food processing center in South Australia

Thailand-based food company Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and Thomas Foods International have reached an agreement to set up a new food processing center in Adelaide, South Australia.

The proposed plant will feature advanced equipment to manufacture packaged foods, which will be supplied across Asia and across the world.

The project follows a state government trade delegation to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, involving more than 50 South Australian businesses.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton Smith said: "The South Australia-South East Asia Engagement Strategy is focused on identifying opportunities in attracting direct investment into South Australia, which will generate employment opportunities."

The new facility may employ workers from Australian automaker Holden's plant that is being closed.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said: "CP Group have recognized South Australia's natural competitive advantage for the production of clean green safe food for the world and are backing one of our great local companies.

"The food industry will be an important driver of jobs following the closure of Holden and wewant to work together with the industry to ensure Adelaide's northern suburbs become anindustry hub for food processing and distribution."

CP Group has a workforce of over 300,000 across its operations in 18 countries, including China, India, Russia, Turkey and ASEAN nations.

With close to 2,500 employees, Thomas Foods operates processing facilities in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland as well as distribution facilities in Adelaide, Coffs Harbour, Brisbane, Darwin and the US.

Thomas Foods processes close to 120,000 lambs and sheep, and 5000 cattle a week.